Falcao nears Monaco move; Julio Cesar confirms QPR exit

Falcao, who joined Atléti from Portuguese Primeira Liga giants FC Porto for a transfer fee of €40 million in August 2011, is one of the hottest commodities on the transfer market, with the Colombia international also reportedly attracting interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid.

A move to the Stade Louis II in the Fontvieille quarter of Monaco seems increasingly likely for Falcao. Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan at West Bromwich Albion, is set to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, while S.S.C. Napoli talisman Edinson Cavani is being linked with summer moves to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu and the Etihad Stadium.

The 27-year-old has netted 28 goals in 33 league appearances for Atletico Madrid this season. Only Lionel Messi (46) and Cristiano Ronaldo (34) have scored more goals in La Liga in 2012-13.

“I’ll tell you what I heard: Falcao is already 90 per cent Monegasque!” the Croatia international told Sportske Novosti.

“He will appear in Monte Carlo in a few days and officially become our player.

“That’s what they told us, with the only doubt being that he could sign for Real Madrid, which at the moment does not look likely.

“If he does not go to the Bernabeu, he will come to us in the principality. Let’s wait for confirmation once it happens.

“I know the owner is not going to save, he has announced that in the summer he will spend more than €100 million on players.”

Atletico Madrid, and Falcao, are scheduled to face bitter inner-city rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Friday.

Julio Cesar confirms QPR exit

Queens Park Rangers shot-stopper Julio Cesar has confirmed he will be leaving the club in the summer transfer window, ESPN understands.

Cesar, 33, was one of a number of high-profile signings, including the likes of Christopher Samba, Esteban Granero, Junior Hoilett, Loic Remy and Stéphane Mbia, at Loftus Road this past year.

The 33-year-old Brazil international needs top-flight football in preparation for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and understandably so.

When asked about where his future lies, Cesar told Sportv: “It is confidential. My future today is a question mark. I have three more years on my contract, but the manager has already made it clear that it will be hard for me to stay at the club. I am happy he thinks that way, it is a sign that my work is being recognised. I dedicated as much as I could to QPR.

“He [manager Harry Redknapp] had told me that I wouldn’t start any more games as I won’t be staying at the club. Now he has asked me to play the last game, and that makes me happy. I will try to play well and do my best.”

Cesar, who signed a four-year deal with QPR in August 2012, made 26 appearances across all competitions for the Super Hoops this season.